Alison2015

Hi Clare, I too suffered a NASAH (almost 1 year ago). I have noticed lately as well the impact the wind has on my head. Just last week we had lots of wind (in Toronto, Canada) and I had terrible temple pain each day. When the wind died down so did my pain. I wore a hat to keep the wind out of my ears. Maybe this is our new normal? If you feel worried about it, it's always worth a trip to your physician. I wanted you to know you're not alone. Take care, Alison

Hi Debbie, I checked the name of the nose spray, it's Nasonex (50mcg).

Hi Debbie, I actually kept the bag of drugs I was on at the time of my bleed. It reminds me what I can no longer take. I had really bad flu bug, sinus and ear infections at the time so I was on lots of stuff. The label has a generic drug name so I will google the name and find out the brand name. I will get back to you on that. My neuro doctor said nose sprays can put strain on veins and arteries. I'm not allowed to even take sprays for my seasonal allergies anymore. I will get back to you soon on the name! Alison

Hi Gillian, I'm almost 6 months into my recovery. I had a NASAH on March 28, 2015. I was told I would be back to normal after 6 weeks. They were partially right. The first 4 weeks were awful but then I turned a corner and returned to work 6 weeks post bleed. I felt good. I take micro breaks away from the computer and turned off the lights above me. But I know what you mean, we don't quite feel back to normal. Random headaches, fogginess and inability to concentrate still occur for me. I don't know if this is my new normal or if over more time, things will get even better. I just take it one day at a time, honour my body and if I need to, I go home early from work. I'm not sure we'll ever know what the future will hold, it's not like we knew before our bleeds Alison

Wow! Your story really resonated with me. My birthday is March 26 and my re-birthday is March 28. Two days after my 40th birthday this year, I suffered an NASAH just prior to going out for my birthday dinner. Needless to say we didn't make it for dinner and it will be a birthday I will never forget Thanks for sharing! Alison

Hi Sammy, My apologies for not writing back sooner. I haven't been logged in for a couple of months now. Medications are a tricky thing. They are given to us to help with one ailment but can cause a host of others. I suppose all meds carry risk. Interesting you heard the same thing on nose sprays. Never again for me. You were in hospital for 6 weeks?! I feel lucky I was only in for 5 days. My recovery was slow at first but then I felt quite 'normal' after 2-3 months. I'm almost at the 6 month mark and I'm noticing some re-occurring symptoms i.e. pressure in the head, tender at the small of my head where the vein bled and general fogginess. I'm in the Toronto area and we've had a lot of humidity this summer and I'm wondering if that's contributing to it. I hope you are doing well. Alison

Happy Brain-iversary Win With your spirit and positive outlook, I'm not surprised how well you're doing. I think our outlook on life contributes to so much of our overall health. Cheers! Alison

Hi Sleepyhead, I'm 4 weeks into my recovery and sleep is a challenge for me as well! I take the rest when my body demands it. I'm still off work so I have the luxury of napping in the morning or afternoon (I feel like my 6 mo. old nephew some days). I'm not sure if this is available where you live and certainly ask your doctor first, but Gravol works for me. It was designed for motion sickness and nausea but it makes me sleepy and works well taken right before bed. I also believe in winding your body down starting after dinner. Herbal tea, relaxation, meditation, limited TV, no screens of any kind 1 hour before bed (those blue screens rev us up), a bath (but not too close to bed), comfy pajamas. Reading also sends me off. No caffeine after my morning coffee also helps. Best wishes for a good night's sleep. Alison

Hi Debbie, Thanks! I'm trying to take this all in stride. I'm only a month into my recovery (no surgery, it was a NASAH) but I get random headaches and pressure spots as well. Strange sensations in the head; unlike any other feeling I had prior to this. I've done quite a bit of reading on SAH, people who've had surgery and those who have not and seems like anxiety, depression and panic attacks can be par for the course. A stressful situation was given to us and our bodies react. Like a post traumatic stress syndrome. Although my doctor gave me a light sedative for the panic attacks, they made me really sleepy. I would rather feel something than nothing. So I decided to just find alternative ways of coping. I remind myself that a panic attack won't last forever. Meditation is really helpful. Find a quiet spot and just take deep, smooth breaths. When your mind wanders, just come back to your breath. I always picture myself at a cottage, sitting on a dock, watching the lake. I'm sure you will find your happy spot Alison

Hi Everyone, Hope you are all well and enjoying some spring weather. We had hail here today in Ontario! Crazy! So a little update ... I had a visit with my family doctor, who confirmed my 'flu' like symptoms were indeed withdrawal from coming off steroid drugs. I was on a high dosage and even with weaning off, my body suffered. I have a new found respect for anyone coming off drugs or alcohol. But during that time due to the muscle weakness and pains, I couldn't look after myself properly, so I moved over to my Mum's place (we live in the same city) for a couple of weeks. Feeling much better. I think it helps to surround ourselves with loved ones. I was feeling too isoloated and lonley in my apartment and it wasn't helping the emotional side of my healing. I mentioned in a previous post that I already suffered from anxiety and panic attacks (although I haven't had a panic attack in almost 2 years). I started to feel extreme anxiety last week and a little into this week. Extreme restlessness, couldn't sit still, like I was anticipating something. It was awful and it would last all day. My doc gave me a light sedative in case of emergency. I only took 2 tablets in 2 days and decided I would just have to wait it out. Keep busy, go for a walk, do dishes or meditate. I never thought in my life I would be one to meditate but I found it about 2 years ago in yoga to help me cope with my anxiety and boy has it come in handy! Just being still, focussing on your breath, taking true breaths from the depth of your belly to the top of your lungs. It really does help. There's an Italian expression that I just love ... 'Dolce far niente' - 'the sweetness of doing nothing'. Enjoy the sweet moments of life. The ones that have nothing to do with TV or computers. It could be as simple as sipping coffee and looking out the window Alison

Thanks Tina for your post. My incident was only 2 weeks today. Maybe my body is feeling the trauma for the first time without any meds. My Mom is coming to stay with me today and tonight. If this feeling doens't subside today, we will go to our local hospital. I do have anxiety issues at the best of times, so I'm thinking that's part of it too.

Has anyone heard of sharp, shooting body pains post SAH? Not sure if this is a side effect of coming off steroid meds or part of SAH recovery?? I was woken this morning at 4am with sharp pains moving around my entire body. It has subsided a little but I'm still extremely achy. It was a scary feeling. Nothing like flu or overuse/exercise pains.

Thanks for the welcome, Sarah! I've been off work for 2 weeks now, my doctor's note takes me until at least May 7, without promise of returning. I don't have full pay at work now and am not sure what they can do for me if I'm off longer. I live alone and am the only source of income. I'm grateful I have savings! Trying not to worry about $$$ I think a gradual return is in order as well. A few hours a day, and just see how it goes! That's all we can do. Alison

Hi John, I see you are a newbie as well. I too, suffered an SAH in March, a few weeks after you! I read through the strings of notes and it sounds like you are doing really well and are a very lucky man! I too feel blessed. No surgery, just healing time. I'm only about 2 weeks into my recovery and it is slow going. This site has been amazing for talking with people who get it, interesting ideas and links to other pages. But it's just comforting reading others' messages of support and that life does go on and things will get better and better! Alison

Oh, almost forgot. I asked the 'why' at my doctor's. We have no medical history in our family of brain injury, aneurysms etc. The doctors in hospital felt it could be attributed to the flu I had 10 days prior and still feeling under the weather the day of the bleed. I was on antibiotics for sinus and ear infections plus a nose inhaler for sinus. Plus I was taking those advil cold and flu tablets which have an ingredient hard on the blood vessels. it was like a cyclone of events. My family doctor concurred. Crazy. All prescribed and available over the counter.